Solo Travel in Japan

Arrival at Tokyo Airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).

Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Reception at customs exit by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi and guide you to your transfer.

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers travelling to the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private transfer, with no stops and directly after your flight's actual arrival, please choose the "Private taxi from the airport" option.

For your first day in Tokyo, we recommend visiting:

• Harajuku, the trendy neighbourhood for young people
• Meiji Jingu, the grand imperial shrine
• Takeshita-dori, Tokyo's must-see street
• Omotesando, Tokyo's "Champs-Élysées"
• Shibuya and its famous crossroads

In the evening (activity included), your guide will take you on a Japanese culinary experience of bar hopping, with tastings at several local izakaya, authentic restaurants frequented by locals and still unknown to tourists.

The exact meeting point is listed in your travel journal.

For your second day of sightseeing, we suggest visiting:

• Ginza, the chic district
• Tsukiji, the food market
• Hama-rikyu, a Japanese garden nestled between skyscrapers
• Asakusa, the traditional district of the capital
• The Buddhist temple Senso-ji

• Tokyo Skytree, the panoramic tower

   

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Kyoto so you can travel light for your day in Hakone.

Pass through Shinjuku to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train bound for Hakone. You will arrive in the afternoon.

Let yourself be charmed by the magnificent landscapes of the spa resort, Lake Ashi with its view of Mount Fuji, and the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car.

Return to the ryôkan in the late afternoon, where your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you at around 6.30pm, before spending a night in Japanese style!

In the morning, travel to Kyoto by shinkansen. You will have three days to visit the city.

Start in the afternoon near your accommodation by visiting:

• Kiyomizu-dera, the great water temple;
• The historic streets of Sannen-zaka and Ninnen-zaka;
• Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.

End your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset.

Meet your guide in the early evening to begin your night-time walk through Gion, Kyoto's historic district (you will find more details about the exact day and meeting place in your travel guide).

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:

• The Zen garden at Ryôan-ji;
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion);
• Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
• The enchanting Philosopher's Walk;
• Nanzen-ji Temple.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on your visit to these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Continue your visit to Kyoto by heading west:

• Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market
• Nijo Castle, former residence of the shogun
• Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and monkey mountain

This is your last full day to visit Kyoto, so why not make the most of our many optional activities :

• Want to enjoy nature? Discover our cycling activities along the Kamo-gawa river or hiking in the Takao gorges
• If you're more into the Japanese arts, you'll love our tea ceremony, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens...
• If you're in the mood for the Japanese countryside, let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara or our popular activity: On the Tea Road

For your last day visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century and discover:

• Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns Todai-ji, with its giant bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate
• Kofuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda. Return to Kyoto and stop to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii.

If you would like to be accompanied during this day trip, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional return trip from Kyoto).

In the morning, take the direct bus connecting Kyoto and Mount Koya for easy access to the sacred mountain (included).

We suggest you visit:

• The magnificent Kongôbu-ji temple;
• Danjô-Garan, one of the village's main religious sites.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with a traditional vegan dinner and a night in a temple alongside the monks.

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the Buddhist temple.

Heading to Koyasan Station, heading to the heart of Japan: Osaka!

What to do in Osaka in 2 days?

We recommend starting your visit to Osaka gently, in the northern and eastern districts, including:

• Osaka Castle, popular for its many plum and cherry trees;
• The city centre and Nakanoshima Island, famous for its rose garden surrounded by skyscrapers;
• Mandarake to immerse yourself in manga culture and otaku treasures;
• Amemura for its pop, young and alternative atmosphere inspired by the world of anime;
• Shinsekai for a complete change of scenery in a retro and timeless Japan.
• Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping;
• Finish with the Umeda Sky Building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!).

One of our many experienced guides can also accompany you during the day.

In the morning, head towards Hiroshima. Consider stopping off at Himeji, the "white heron", to admire its magnificent UNESCO-listed castle.

Once you arrive in Hiroshima, settle into your hotel at your leisure. Then visit the park and Peace Memorial, the castle and its cherry blossom park (depending on the season) before sampling one of Hiroshima's specialities: okonomiyaki!

During the day, immerse yourself in the captivating history of Hiroshima on our guided bike tour (included in your package). Discover the moving stories and strong character traits that make this legendary city such an unforgettable place.

Accompanied by an experienced guide who will bring history to life with fascinating anecdotes and information, explore Hiroshima's iconic sites and discover the different facets of its past as you cycle through the city.

Breakfast at the hotel.

It's time to explore the island! The Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its grand Ôtorii gate standing in the sea are a must-see.

Take the cable car up Mount Misen and walk back down. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you!

At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Hiroshima.

Travel to Okayama by Shinkansen. We recommend leaving early so you can explore the castle and its magnificent Kôraku-en Park, one of Japan's three great gardens, at your own pace before setting off in the mid-afternoon for the romantic town of Kurashiki, on the outskirts of Okayama.

Kurashiki, an ancient commercial metropolis lined with canals, is sure to charm you:

• Bikan, a neighbourhood with typical architecture;
• Art Ohara Museum, where paintings by Monet, Matisse, Renoir, among others, are on display;
• The Museum of Popular Arts dedicated to the history of the region.

In the evening, return to Okayama.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, relax and enjoy the return journey to Tokyo on the Shinkansen. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and make the most of this last day to finish your shopping and start packing your bags!

Direct transfer to Narita or Haneda International Airport (included but unaccompanied).

If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choosing, directly to the airport and without any stops along the way, select the "Private taxi to the airport" option.

Return flight to your home country, but feel free to extend your stay for a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... we will be happy to help!